MELAKA: Bersatu secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali has not ruled out the possibility of a more open understanding between the party and Pakatan Harapan towards the end of the Melaka election campaign.
Azmin said the matter could be considered later if both parties viewed it as the best strategy, although neither had taken an official position on cooperation in the state election so far.
He acknowledged that, in the broader political landscape, Bersatu could not go it alone and needed to work with other parties to ensure stability.
“We cannot determine what will happen towards the end of the campaign period. But based on my experience in many elections, voters would usually have made up their minds by then, after assessing the manifestos and offers made by the candidates.
“I believe voters would have already formed their opinions. Political parties, however, usually use that opportunity to project a more positive image.
“If that is the best strategy, we may consider it at the appropriate time. For now, every Bersatu candidate is actively campaigning in their respective polling districts,” he said in an interview with Berita Harian here.
In the Melaka election, Bersatu is fielding candidates in seven seats: Lendu, Sungai Udang, Pantai Kundor, Kelebang, Pengkalan Batu, Ayer Keroh and Bemban.
Azmin said that although Bersatu had not formed an alliance with any party in Melaka, an understanding had been reached before the number of seats it would contest was decided.
He said Bersatu believed the understanding could contribute to stability in the state and unite the people of Melaka.
“In this context, after careful consideration and discussions, we agreed that Bersatu cannot stand alone.
“The party must work through political cooperation or an alliance that can guarantee stability for both the state and the country.
“For the Melaka election, we have not joined or formed an alliance with any party, but naturally, there is an understanding on the allocation of seats to be contested,” he said.
Azmin said Bersatu was also open to receiving PH’s support in the seven seats it was contesting, although neither party had officially announced any form of cooperation for the election.
As for the 21 seats Bersatu was not contesting, he said he would leave it to party members to decide which candidates from other parties deserved their support, based on their ability to provide the best service to the people.
He also reminded party members to give priority to candidates representing moderate and progressive parties when deciding which of the 21 non-Bersatu candidates to support on Nov 14.
“That is up to the wisdom of voters in Melaka. I have said that I have confidence in the wisdom of the young people in Melaka.
“We are focusing only on the seven seats. For the others, we leave it to the respective political parties to determine their own fate,” he said.